Seattle is a wonderful city, but you might be worried about your budget. I got your back! The cost of travel in Seattle can be easily cut down if you follow simple guidelines and well, my tips! Before jumping into them, let’s take a little step back.
When you begin to explore the United States, you should ask yourself a simple question:
Where should I start spending my money?
You’re going to roam around the US after all. Well, what I did was choose to visit the cities on the West Coast. This area is notoriously expensive compared to many others in the country, and Seattle is no exception.
Wait!
I’m not saying you cannot afford a trip to the West (I’m sorry if I scared you). With accurate planning, everything is possible! Seattle offers cheap accommodation alternatives like hostels. In addition, you won’t need a car to move around the city: you can easily walk between attractions. And when you have to reach the Space Needle or Capitol Hill, the excellent public transport system will take you there.
The vibrant Public Market brings great food at affordable prices and a feeling that Seattle is actually worth the ride. Not enough, Seattle’s multiple viewpoints and incredible music scene will let you realize that all the pre-trip overthinking was useless.
Although some tickets are a bit expensive – in my opinion – you can always choose the attractions of your preference. Whether you have limited time or you’d like to keep an extra eye on the budget, Seattle’s culture and history will overwhelm you (in a good way!).
It’s time to get into detail about everything that you are interested in to plan your trip to Seattle. Again, it’s not the cheapest place in the world, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up! And if you’d like to go after reading this analysis, don’t forget to check out the best things to do!
Enough random talk – let’s dive into the cost of travel to Seattle!
Disclaimer: I have considered low and mid-budget plans. I don’t usually look for luxury travel.
The cost of accommodation in Seattle
The cost of accomodation in Seattle has budget-friendly alternatives. At the same time, you’ll have to reconsider your money plan if you like privacy and good positioning coming in the same package.
The cheapest hostel: American Hotel Hostel (50 USD a night plus tax for a four-bed dorm)
American Hotel Hostel is located in the Chinatown district, close to Union Station. This was my choice while visiting Seattle. Here you can find both travellers and (many) locals. It has all amenities, including a kitchen, laundry room, and shared spaces. However, the dorms don’t give you literally any privacy because the room card keys can open every door. I didn’t feel unsafe, but I chose to be careful with my belongings anyway. To be honest, I also didn’t feel a super friendly atmosphere there. Overall, I’d say that if you can spend just a bit more money, you should go for the next budget option.
The best hostel: Green Tortoise Hostel (55 USD a night plus tax for a four/six-bed dorm)
Looking for something in a central location, having comfy rooms and nice people to meet? This is Green Tortoise Hostel, which you can find right next to Pike Place Market. When I was in Seattle, a friend of mine was staying there. He told me that the dorms were cozy and a good breakfast was included in the price. Despite being close to the market, the hostel was also very quiet. If I were you, I would book a room at Green Tortoise – you should plan in advance because this place gets busy quickly.
Airbnb: 120-160 USD a night for a central location
Airbnb has always been my friend (especially in Europe!), but the cost of private spaces in Seattle becomes a mid-range choice. There are just a few rooms located in the core districts. The reason is that offices populate downtown. You’ll likely have to take into account the increased public transportation fares to move around. On the other hand, you’ll get the privacy you want, for sure.
The cost of transportation in Seattle
The cost of public transportation in Seattle has decent fares (although slightly pricey compared to Europe) and is definitely a good option to move around.
From the airport to downtown
First of all, you can take the Link Light Rail train from Seattle Airport heading Northbound to reach downtown. The ticket price is just around 3.00 USD, and it takes approximately 30-40 minutes. I’d highly recommend going down this route because you’ll have to pay 40-60 USD for Uber and Taxi services.
Roaming around neighbourhoods: how?
Before getting into more details, you should know that you can explore Seattle on foot fairly easily. This includes Pike Place Market, the business district with museums and music venues, and most of the landmarks.
This being said, places like the Space Needle and Capitol Hill probably require public transportation. The city offers the ORCA card and paper tickets. The card costs 5.00 USD and it can be reloaded online or through Google/Apple Wallet. This is why it can also be virtual, which makes things easier. Every ride on bus/light rail/metro usually costs 3.00 USD. Luckily, the card tap lasts for 2 hours, which allows you to move around quickly if you’re planning to use public transport extensively. You can also buy a day pass with ORCA for 8.00 USD. This last option is probably good for you only if you’re going to bounce from East to West Seattle in a single day.
The ORCA card is accepted on the monorail too. However, the ride’s price is 4.00 USD. The monorail is the perfect choice to reach the Space Needle, and I’d say you should take into account these extra fares.
Tip: I’d recommend purchasing the ORCA card if you’re planning to heavily rely on public transportation. For instance, I’ve only paid a couple of rides to reach the Space Needle and Capitol Hill. And paper tickets can be valid for up to 3 hours if the driver marks them like that!
Feel green? Ride e-bikes!
There is one last alternative to visit Seattle: e-bikes. If you’re planning a long weekend in the city, renting a bike is extremely convenient – and environment-friendly!
Lime sharing is a great and cheap option. You can purchase a 3-day ride pass for 12 USD. The voucher is valid for 60 miles, which means you’re going to be fine for the whole trip around the city! Strolling around Seattle on a bike is safe and you can enjoy your time, stop to have a bite, and avoid waiting for buses.
The cost of food in Seattle
Seattle is influenced by many food cultures, especially Irish and Asiatic. At the same time, Pike Place Market is full of local fish and other tasty meals, which you can have for very cheap prices.
Pike Place Market – cheap and incredible
And it’s the public market where you should have your lunches – and having dinner while staring at the sunset wouldn’t be a bad choice either. You’ll find countless options to save money without giving up on great meals.
Michou Deli has pretty much everything: delicious meats, fancy salads, different appetizers and desserts. You can have an amazing sandwich for around 10 USD, while the salads are even cheaper! Looking for some street food instead? Los Agaves is perfect for having a taste of Mexican on-the-road meals. Burritos, taco plates and bowls come for around 15 USD. Among the many dining places the market offers, Crepe De France is a valid alternative, both for every kind of breakfast! Yes, because you’ll have sweet or savoury crepes for around 15-18 USD – with fresh and excellent ingredients.
Dining out
I love to experience some live music while having a great bite. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good place – unless you’re fancier than I am!
Irish tradition is all over the US, and Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub brings it to Seattle close to the market. You’ll have awesome fish and chips for around 25 USD, and any kind of meat sandwich for around 20 USD. I’d recommend checking out their weekly schedule, which often offers local artists playing during the evenings. Having a couple of beers will bring your total bill up to 40 USD or so – your choice, of course!
And what about you’d like to spend a night in Capitol Hill? Don’t worry, I got you covered. Ruta is a fantastic Ukrainian restaurant located in the core of the neighbourhood. Here you’ll have amazing traditional dishes (I’d suggest the Chicken Kyiv, it was so good!) for a decent price – around 25-35 USD for a casual dinner. If this is not enough, you should also know that many pop and rock music artists play here at night. Perfect combination!
Tip: honestly, I believe the best live music you’ll listen to is being played at Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley (listed in the activities below), which requires a financial effort just for the ticket. Therefore, you should plan a cheap dinner that night, and play your cards better for the rest of your trip.
Speaking about lunch alternatives to the Pike Place Market instead, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls showcases tasty opposites: lobster as fast food! If you’re around downtown looking for a different seafood experience, you’ll get a delicious lobster roll for around 25 USD. I mean, it’s the “pinchy red” after all!
Cafes and breakfast
If you happen to be in Capitol Hill, Espresso Vivace is one the best spots you’ll ever be for roasted coffee in Seattle. This shop isn’t just espresso, though. You’ll have many exquisite options for iced tea and hot chocolate. Everything is around 4-6 USD, so enjoy your incredible treats!
Staying in the same neighbourhood, breakfast has been a specialty of Glo’s Cafe for a long time. You’ll find fantastic eggs Benedict, delicious pancakes, and wonderful omelettes. Prices vary between 15 and 30 USD – so just consider it in your budget planning!
The Original Starbucks must be a destination for one of your early roams or mid-afternoon snack time. This is the first ever Starbucks opened in North America and is located in front of the public market downtown. FYI this is a good place for souvenirs as well!
Ludi’s in downtown Seattle is the perfect spot for a cheaper brunch compared to Capitol Hill. This diner has been running for so many years and it’ll help you have an amazing start of the day for around 15 USD – sweet or savoury. I’d recommend trying their pancake specialty for 20 USD though!
The cost of activities in Seattle
The city is incredibly packed with activities, which cover almost everything. From museums and live shows to the Public Market, from high towers and breathtaking views to history and cultural identity, the cost of many activities in Seattle is worth to be planned.
Museums
Honestly, I’m not a big museum guy – and I wasn’t planning to go to any of them there. However, my last day turned out to be extremely fun and interesting thanks to the MoPOP.
Tickets for the Museum of Pop Culture are around 30 USD and believe me: you’ll be over the moon. You’ll find an outstanding collection of props and costumes from the best movies that made the history of pop culture. Moreover, the entire museum is based on interactions with visitors, making the ride (even more) suitable for children too. Not to mention, there are music rooms where you can play with others! Exciting, isn’t it?
If you’re looking for something more traditional, the SAM (Seattle Art Museum) should be your choice. Tickets cost 20 USD – book it in advance because the price goes up if you wait until the last minute. The art museum hosts different collections, including beautiful samples of Mesoamerican art and an interesting Porcelain room. Many exhibits vary time by time, so ensure you check the current status.
Music
One of the places that should be on top of your list is Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. This intimate location has been hosting exceptional artists throughout its history. With an amazing weekly schedule, this venue is the perfect spot to spend a night when in Seattle. Depending on the artist, the prices may vary – but you can get a great seat for around 60 USD. If you’re good with your budget, you can spend another 20 USD and enjoy a cocktail while listening to the live performance.
Don’t worry, you have a cheaper option! If you happen to visit Capitol Hill, I’d recommend spending an evening at Neumos. This venue hosts artists from all over the world, who bring different music genres to Seattle. Tickets are usually around 10-20 USD, making this spot very appealing.
Free activities, yes!
Surfing the musical wave, there are small alleys in Pioneer Square which sometimes host free live shows. Not enough, there are a ton of pubs and bars where you can have good food and listen to local artists! You can check many events happening in the city on this website.
Do you love stunning views? Kerry Park is the perfect spot to admire Seattle from above without opening your wallet. You should climb up there after you visit the Space Needle or MoPOP since this viewpoint is located in the next neighbourhood.
And you have the whole Pike Place Market at your disposal – walking between local merchants will bring you back in time. While there, you can stroll down the waterfront and take beautiful photos, especially at sunset.
Free expression is the defining term in Capitol Hill instead. Street art all over the walls and colourful buildings are all free of charge. You’ll witness the history and values of this city just by roaming around. So fascinating!
Towers, towers…
Well… You know that there is a must to do in Seattle. The Space Needle! There are many adjectives to describe this landmark, but I believe one of them is above all the others: futuristic.
I’d recommend taking the monorail from downtown to reach the tower. The last and only stop is the Space Needle. This building has been dominating Seattle for more than 60 years now – and it still feels contemporary.
First of all, you should plan your visit, especially with tickets running out quickly on weekends and holidays. There are time slots for which you can purchase your ticket, but be aware: if you don’t make it on time, you won’t be allowed to enter the building! You should know that the prices range between 35 USD and 42.5 USD for basically one reason – most people are looking forward to staying at the Loupe for sunset.
That’s right – the Loupe is a lounge located on the rotating deck of the Space Needle. I have to say that although I spent another 15-20 USD for a cocktail, the experience was definitely worth the money. If you’re not interested in one or more activities I have presented so far, I’d strongly suggest you invest a part of your budget into a full adventure at the tower. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you don’t want to miss it!
Imagine it: you’re sitting more than 180 m (600 ft) above the sea level, looking at the city’s skyline with the sunset, sipping a great cocktail on a revolving deck. What else?
Seattle offers viewpoints from other buildings, though. And if you’d like to learn about life before modernity in the city, the Smith Tower is a great choice. Tickets cost 26 USD, including self-guided tours to follow its – and Seattle’s – history floor by floor, and access to the observation deck. Here you can eat and drink (watch out for daily offers!), but it’s not as worth it as the Space Needle in my opinion. Although there is also a guided-tour option for 13 USD more, I do think the self-experience is immersive on its own.
The cost of other activities in Seattle
As you understand, the city is full of history (it’s “newer” compared to Europe, but who cares?). There is a fascinating tour you should take and move to the top of your to-do list. I’m talking about the forgotten Seattle underground. The Great Fire happened at the end of the 19th century forced the local authorities to raise the streets’ level around the Pioneer Square area, leaving many shops and houses abandoned below the new layer.
Beneath The Streets will take you through a section of the forgotten old city with a 1-hour guided tour. Local insights, history, and the feeling that those streets are still alive will be by your side for 26 USD. Special tours – for instance, the one regarding the “red light” district – are available for two more dollars.
The cost of Internet in Seattle
If you’re visiting from North America, don’t worry – your SIM card should have a US plan! Check with your operator though, before you realize you’re losing a lot of money.
For people travelling from other countries, Airalo has excellent service. You should grab an eSIM – if you don’t know, they’re virtual SIMs your smartphone should support – before leaving for Seattle. Once landed, you’ll switch the data over to the new SIM and you’ll be ready for your trip!
The price is around 5 USD for 1 GB and 7 days of internet.
And if you’d like to relax and just use the Wi-Fi at your stay, I believe it’s a good choice. At the same time, remember that you might have to move around, which means map applications are probably needed.
Time to recap your expenses
Well, you went a long way and you know what you’re going to do for your trip now. Are you a low or mid-budget traveller? Let’s find out (prices are per day per person):
| Budget | Low | Mid-range |
| Accomodation | 50-55 USD in hostel dorm | 120-160 USD in private guest room |
| Transportation | 3 USD from airport plus 6 USD when going to Capitol Hill and 4 USD for monorail. Rest is walking. | 3 USD from airport AND – Option 1 5 USD of ORCA card with 8 USD day pass. – Option 2 4 USD of Bike sharing plus 4 USD when using monorail |
| Food | 50 USD | 80 USD |
| Activities | 30 USD for: Space NeedleMoPOPNeumos live musicKerry Park and Capitol Hill street art (both free) | 60 USD for: Space NeedleMoPOPDimitriou’s Jazz AlleyBeneath the StreetsCapitol Hill (free) |
| Total | 150 USD | 300 USD |
You’ll notice that accommodation and activities make a huge difference. In addition, you’re not going to spend the same amount every day. At the same time, I think this is a great recap if you’re planning to stay in Seattle for 3 or 4 days.
What do you think? Up to you now, but let me know if you go there – I hope you’ll find even better deals!